Derek McInnes, in his first season as Rangers manager, expressed cautious optimism about the club’s midfield situation amid ongoing speculation surrounding Belgian player Nico Raskin’s future. Despite bids from clubs in England and across Europe expected before the transfer window closes, McInnes said he intends to make the most of Raskin’s abilities while he remains at Ibrox.

Raskin, 25, who recently returned from representing Belgium at the World Cup in the United States, still has two years left on his contract with Rangers. His performances on the global stage have increased his value, with the club reportedly seeking up to £20 million should a transfer materialize. McInnes acknowledged the risk involved in fielding Raskin soon after his break but insisted the midfielder’s presence was critical during the team’s recent Europa League first-leg match.

Prior to Thursday’s 2-1 defeat against Jagiellonia Bialystok in Poland, there was uncertainty over whether Raskin would feature due to his limited recovery time. McInnes revealed that the player felt capable of only 35 to 40 minutes of play but was brought on earlier than expected to provide experience and strategic insight. The manager described Raskin as a player who stands out for his commitment to the club and his focus on results during training.

“We knew there was a flight risk with Nico,” McInnes said, admitting that the club remains open to a transfer should a suitable offer arise that aligns with the player's ambitions. “While he’s here, I’ll try and enjoy working with him. He’s always cared for the club, and that’s not going to change.”

The start of McInnes’ tenure has been challenging, with a goalless draw against Dundee United on the opening day of the Scottish Premiership followed by the Europa League loss in Poland. The first leg saw Rangers concede a lead due to defensive lapses, something McInnes was particularly disappointed with. He singled out poor decision-making and a lack of concentration as key factors undermining the team’s performance.

“We’ve got to be honest and say we played into their barrel too many times by making poor decisions,” McInnes remarked, emphasizing that these are addressable issues. Despite creating opportunities in the second half, the team consciously avoided overextending themselves, mindful of the upcoming second leg. McInnes stressed the importance of maintaining control during matches, a factor he believes was missing in the first leg.

With the Europa League tie still open heading into the second leg, McInnes expressed confidence that Rangers have the quality to progress but acknowledged the immediate challenge of preparing for their next domestic fixture against Hibernian.

“We’ve got the performance in us to win the tie,” he said. “But first, we’ve got Hibs to deal with.”